Scenes From Bay City's Anniversary

By Bixyl Shuftan

On May 19, the city and community of Bay City celebrated it's 11th anniversary. It was spring 2008 in which this largest of Second Life's urban areas came to be, created by the moles to describe the North American urban environment of the mid-20th century. Every year since, there has been a celebration by the community and it's friends. And this year was no exception.

The action started in Harwich, where those wishing to take part were gathering before the start of the parade.

Marianne McCann was the ringleader of the parade, and beforehand was organizing the chaos. "How're we all doing today?" She asked, "Ready to take to Route 66 and hit the party?"

"I'm still amazed that our little city has managed to make it 11 years. Or 66 years, if we consider that SL has 6 day cycles in one first life day."

GoSpeed Racer may or may not be a "demon on wheels," but that's not exactly the Mark-5.

Noted SL blogger Daniel Voyager was there.

This guy wasn't "sheepish" about his support for Bay City.

Someone was ready to "boldly go" into the parade while another looked like he was ready for a "close encounter."

A Giant Snail racer next to a fishing boat that looks like it made the "deadliest catch."

Kenny Luckless was looking like he was ready to give some "friendly greetings."

Anyone looking for a "Lost Prim?"

Rosie the robot was driving a car that looked like it had a little trouble under the hood.

The sheep from earlier got his own truck, with a few buddies for "sheer" enjoyment.

Finally at 12:30, Marianne shouted, "Okay - everyone ready? ... Here we go!" And the parade started. I zipped to Route 66 to see it pass.

Lost Prim would say of Kenny, "It's perfect.  Kenny is like our parade float. ... Well, balloon."

 Newser reporter Gemma Cleanslate, on her own horse.

I would zip ahead to see more.

RacerX Gullwing, in his snail truck.

As they neared the end of the parade, finally night turned into day.

 And they began crossing the finish line.

 "What a great parade. I crashed as soon as I got here. Heheheh."

"I made it, but I am now blind. I have everybody derendered."

Some came in through a more southern route.

Among those to see the people arriving was DrFran Babcock, whom makes only occasional visits to Second Life nowdays, "just wanted to wish Bay City a happy." Unfortunately, her avatar wouldn't rezz properly.

With the parade over, it was time for the music event, Marianne saying, "Welcome all! Let's have some fun!"

GoSpeed Racer, the head of KONA Radio, was the DJ for the first half hour of the concert.

Wendi Linden showed up to join the party. "Hi Wendi! Welcome to the Bay City thing." "Oh em gee," someone commented, "it it a rather fresh Linden, it have that new Linden smell still." Wendi just smiled, "It must be those tree-shaped air fresheners."

But it wouldn't quite be a Bay City event without one particular dance, "We want conga (chuckle)!" "Marianne has to start the conga!" And eventually, the conga line got started.

Among those in the line, a large battlesuit that joined in, "robot conga."

Marianne McCann enjoyed the party along with everyone else.

A half hour after the start, Gospeed stepped down, and live musician Parker Static took to the stage.

At 2:30 PM, Maxamillian Kleene began performing for the crowd. Later on, Melenda Baptiste would sing on stage.

 Eventually, the conga line shrunk in size.

It was quite an anniversary event for Bay City.



RacerX Gullwing happened to have made a video of the parade and party. Click Here if the video doesn't play.

Bixyl Shuftan